*Photo taken well before social distancing measures came into effect.
Information on Testing
Anyone experiencing a new, continuous cough; high temperature; and now also a loss of or change in their normal sense of smell or taste can book a test by visiting www.nhs.uk/coronavirus
- Apply for a test if you have coronavirus symptoms
- Apply for a test if you are an essential worker
- Apply for tests for a care home
On Thursday 28 May Matt Hancock, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, announced the new NHS Test and Trace service has been launched. The service will help identify, contain and control COVID-19 (Coronavirus), reduce the spread of the virus and save lives.
The NHS Test and Trace service, including 25,000 dedicated contact tracing staff working with Public Health England, will have the capacity to trace the contacts of 10,000 people who test positive for COVID-19 (Coronavirus) per day and can be scaled up if needed.
The largest network of diagnostic testing facilities in British history has been created and will soon have the capacity to carry out 200,000 tests a day.
People who are contacted by the NHS Test and Trace service will be given clear information explaining what they must do and how they can access local support if needed. Guidance is also available online on GOV.UK.
Support for the elderly and medically vulnerable
West Midlands Combined Authority COVID-19 Support:
This platform has been created to coordinate offers and requests for support, bringing the community together in the fight against coronavirus.
West Midlands Combined Authority COVID-19 Support website
Support for families who have children with disabilities
The Government has made available £37 million to support children with complex needs via the Family Fund. The multi-million-pound settlement will help low-income families with seriously ill or disabled children with the cost of equipment, goods or services. More information here.
Support for Dental Health
- NHS dentists will be able to start offering face to face care in their practices again from 8th June. Currently all face to face care is provided through urgent dental care centres. The goal is to resume the full range of care in practices as soon as it is safe for dentists and patients to do so.
Government guidance
Guidance for those who provide unpaid care to friends or family
Applying for a testing kit if eligible
Registering as extremely clinically vulnerable
General Medical Council advice for healthcare professionals
Specialist sector advice from trusted UK organisations
Whilst the overall NHS advice remains largely the same for all people a range of trusted UK charities provide excellent advice for specific subject areas and COVID-19 (coronavirus). This list will be updated as more information and advice is provided.
Support for Children and Families
The Children's Commissioner for England
The Children's Commissioner for England's advice for parents, guardians and teachers.
Advice for people with asthma
Advice for people with cancer
Advice for people with cystic fibrosis
Advice for people with diabetes
Diabetes UK - The British Diabetic Association
Advice for people with heart or circulatory disease
Advice for people with lung conditions
Advice to help you stay mentally well
Mind - the mental health charity
Last updated: 31/05/20.